Wisconsin Arts Board to be cut by 66%

An online journal about visual art, the urban landscape and design. Mary Louise Schumacher, the Journal Sentinel's art and architecture critic, leads the discussion and a community of writers contribute to the dialogue.

The state Legislature’s budget-writing committee voted Wednesday to cut the budget for the Wisconsin Arts Board, which provides funds for artists and arts groups throughout the state, by 66%.

Gov. Scott Walker had proposed cutting funding to the arts board by 73%, but the Joint Finance Committee voted to restore up to $175,000 annually, depending on whether there are matching funds from the National Endowment for the Arts.

“While it is a painful outcome, I am thrilled at the bi-partisan support, that both Democrats and Republicans voted to restore funding,” said Anne Katz, executive director of Arts Wisconsin, a statewide advocacy group. “They are making extremely difficult decisions, and they haven’t been doing very much of that.” »Read Full Blog Post

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Now rapidly approaching Wississippi status. All intelligent cultured people are encouraged to move away ASAP. Next comes the gutting of the University of Wisconsin budget to the appropriate Wississippi level. What a nightmare. The Yahoos have won.

Appalling. Does anyone realize how much money we get in return from tourism, sales by artists, ticket sales to events, etc. from our small investment in the arts in Wisconsin? And how much it adds to our culture, our lifestyle and our education? $1.6 million means very little in the big budget picture and it is a good investment in part of what makes life so good in our state. Nothing like cutting off your nose to spite your face. What a bunch of ignorant yahoos we have running Wisconsin.

if the money isn't there to fund it.....it isn't there. let's stop whining about Walker eliminating programs & have the deadbeats that have been on unemployment get a job & start contributing to the state, county, and cities tax collection that the dems love soo much! "Ya gotta pay to play!"

From the last gallery night I attended I've come to the conclusion there's no good art in this state. So it's money thrown away anyway. Hey 911sfan, maybe once all the "intelligent" people are gone we can actually have balanced budget. Hate to see your credit card statement since you think we have a limitless fund.

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